In the previous lessons we've discussed the size of the photo, shooting functions and the lighting meter.
In this lesson, we will discuss the method of focussing.
Before taking a photo we have to decide on the following:
By choosing the correct combination of the aperture and shutter speed, you will be able to see a big difference in the photos taken.
Right combination of aperture and shutter speed
When looking through the viewfinder of the camera, and you press the shutter button in softly (halfway), you will see different autofocus “dots/lights” blinking. You will also hear a “beep” sound. These dots are there for the photographer to see a sharper image or an image in focus. In the basic shooting settings, for example portrait, landscape, sport etc. the camera will find these spots automatically and will choose this specific one to focus on. (Usually the object closest to you) which is not necessarily what you want to focus on.
You can choose which focus point to use by changing the setting.
The different focus points differ from camera models. The Nikon D40 has 3, Canon 500D has 9, Nikon D9000 has 11 and the Canon 7D has 19.
When using the cameras live view, the speed of the autofocus lowers, and the photographer must decide in which direction the object is moving.
The photographer can decide what to focus on by changing the focus setting. The AF button on the camera, when pressed, will indicate these focus dots on the LCD screen. By turning the “wheel” in front of the camera you will be able to choose the focus point you want to use.
The modern digital camera has an automatic focus setting, which will stay focused on an object, even if it is moving.
The non-complicated AF function and used in most beginner cameras. This determines where the most contrasting pixels are and helps the lens with a sharper focus.
This is the more complicated AF function and used in more complicated compact and dSLR cameras.
Light that reflects from the object is divided into two different parts of the lens. The AF sensor compares the different parts, which activates the AF sensors to make changes to the lens.
If there is bad/low light, the cameras AF function will look for a point to focus on, you will be able to hear the camera trying to focus, as it is looking for something to focus on.
If the camera does not have this AF setting, the flash will open automatically.
